PUBLIC MINUTES - SPECIAL MEETING

GOVERNANCE AND PRIORITIES COMMITTEE

Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 9:30 A.m. - 5:30 P.m.

Council Chamber, City Hall

PRESENT:

• His Worship Mayor C. Clark
• Councillor C. Block
• Councillor T. Davies
• Councillor R. Donauer
• Councillor B. Dubois
• Councillor S. Gersher
• Councillor H. Gough
• Councillor D. Hill
• Councillor Z. Jeffries
• Councillor D. Kirton
• Councillor M. Loewen

ALSO PRESENT:

• City Manager J. Jorgenson
• City Solicitor C. Yelland
• City Clerk A. Tittemore
• Deputy City Clerk S. Bryant

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Clark called the meeting to order on Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional Homeland of the Métis People and confirmed roll call.

2.

CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer
  1. That the following letters be added to Item 4.1
     1. Submitting Comments
        • Janelle S. Unrau, dated August 14, 2023;
     2. Request to Speak
        • Keith Moen, NSBA, dated August 10, 2023;
        • Jory Vermette, Saskatoon Climate Hub, dated August 12, 2023;
  2. That the request to speak from Robert Clipperton, Bus Riders of Saskatoon, dated August 12, 2023 be added to Item 4.2.1;
  3. That the following letters be added to Item 4.2.4:
     • Submitting Comments 
       • Nancy Howse, dated August 10, 2023;
       • Tim Quigley, dated August 11, 2023;
       • Glen Wright, dated August 12, 2023;
       • Mark Bigland - Pritchard, dated August 12, 2023;
       • Mary Uzelman, dated August 12, 2023;
       • Carroll Chubb, dated August 13, 2023;
       • Julia Boughner, dated August 13, 2023;
       • Joanne Blythe, Chad Hammond and Candace Savage, Wild About Saskatoon, dated August 14, 2023;
       • Caylin Lee, dated August 14, 2023;
       • Peter and Verna Gallen, dated August 14, 2023;
       • Ines Sanchez Rodriguez, dated August 14, 2023;
       • Jason Hanson, dated August 14, 2023;
       • Jody Busch, dated August 14, 2023;
       • Joel Van Impe, dated August 14, 2023;
       • John Krowina, dated August 14, 2023;
       • Justin Fisher, dated August 14, 2023;
       • Romualdo Zwolinski, dated August 14, 2023;
       • Margret Asmuss, Bob Halliday, Glenn Wright, Saskatchewan Environmental Society, dated August 14, 2023; 
       • Mackenzie Burnett, dated August 14, 2023; and
  4. That the agenda be confirmed as amended.
  
  

  In Favour: (9)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent: (2)	Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Gersher

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

3.

DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

4.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGISLATIVE REPORTS

4.1

2024/2025 Budget Information Update – August 2023 [GPC2023-0802]

A report of the Corporate Financial Services Division was provided along with the following letters:

Submitting Comments

• Janelle S. Unrau, dated August 14, 2023;

Request to Speak

• Keith Moen, NSBA, dated August 10, 2023; and
• Jory Vermette, Saskatoon Climate Hub, dated August 14, 2023.

Councillor Gersher entered the meeting in person at 9:41 a.m. during introduction of this item.

City Manager Jorgenson provided an introduction and Chief Financial Officer Hack presented the report.  They responded to questions of Committee.

Committee heard from the following speakers:

- Keith Moen, NSBA (responded to questions)
- Jory Vermette, Saskatoon Climate Hub

Councillor Jeffries entered the meeting in person at 10:15 a.m. during the presentation from Jory Vermette.

• Moved By: Councillor Hill

  That the information be received.

  
  

  In Favour: (11)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

4.2

Business Line Reports

4.2.1

Transportation Business Line Information [GPC2023-0703]

The City Clerk reported that the Governance and Priorities Committee considered this item at its special meeting held on July 25, 2023 and passed numerous resolutions as outlined in the minutes here under item 4.3.1.   Consideration for Options 8.c, 9, 10, 11, 12.c, 14.b, 15 and 16 in the report were deferred to the August 15, 2023 special meeting.   A copy of the report and following communications that were presented at the July 25, 2023 meeting was provided to this meeting:  

• Robert Clipperton, Bus Riders of Saskatoon, dated July 20, 2023;
• Mackenzie Burnett and Ines Sanchez-Rodriguez, Saskatoon Climate Hub, dated July 24, 2023; and
• DeeAnn Mercier, Broadway Business Improvement District, Brent Penner, Downtown Saskatoon and Randy Pshebylo, Riversdale Business Improvement District, dated July 24, 2023.

A request to speak from Robert Clipperton, Bus Riders of Saskatoon, dated August 12, 2023 was provided.

Option 13a - Eliminate Soft Surface Media Sweep was added to the list for consideration.  

• Option 8c - Reductions to Transit Operations - Reduce Inflationary Impact

  Director of Saskatoon Transit Puffalt introduced the option and responded to questions.

  Committee heard from Robert Clipperton, Bus Riders of Saskatoon.  He responded to questions of Committee.

  Moved By: Councillor Donauer

  That the 12% inflationary impact on required maintenance of its assets in the amount of $268,700 in 2024 be removed from the budget.   

  
  

  In Favour: (3)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, and Councillor Donauer
  Against: (8)	Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  DEFEATED (3 to 8)

• Option 9 – Increasing Transit Revenues

  Director of Saskatoon Transit introduced the option.  

  The Committee recessed at 10:56 a.m. and reconvened at 11:04 a.m. with all members present.  Councillor Davies temporarily excused himself from the meeting during discussion of this item.  

  Moved By: Councillor Donauer

  That Administration bring forward a transit fare increase in the amount of 7.5% to the 2024/25 budget deliberations.   

  
  

  In Favour: (5)	Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Block, and Councillor Dubois
  Against: (5)	Mayor Clark, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent: (1)	Councillor Davies

  
  
  
  DEFEATED ON A TIE VOTE (5 to 5)
• Moved By: Councillor Hill

  That, ahead of the final 2024/25 budget meetings, the Administration report on the impact of eliminating fares for children 5 to 13 years of age (13 under).  The report should incorporate details from Regina Transit related to their elimination of fares for children under 13.

  
  

  In Favour: (10)	Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent: (1)	Councillor Davies

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (10 to 0)

  The meeting recessed at 11:47 a.m. and reconvened at 11:55 a.m. with all members in attendance. 

  
  

• Option 10 – Reduction to Transportation Services Request

  Director of Transportation Magus introduced the option and responded to questions of Committee.

  Moved By: Councillor Donauer

  That Transportation Services inflationary impact for painting and signing be reduced by $96,400.

  
  

  In Favour: (8)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Block, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Against: (3)	Mayor Clark, Councillor Gough, and Councillor Gersher

  
  
  
  CARRIED (8 to 3)

• Option 11 – Road Surface Back Lane Maintenance Reductions

  Director of Roadways, Fleet and Support Saric introduced the option and responded to questions of Committee.

  Moved By: Councillor Hill

  That back lane grading service level be reduced to grading back lanes only when conditions deteriorate to the point that light vehicles have difficulty travelling them, for an associated savings of $150,000.  

  
  

  Against: (11)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  DEFEATED (0 to 11)

• Option 12.c - Delay sidewalk, multi-use pathway and cycle track snow clearing

  Director of Roadways, Fleet and Support Saric introduced the option.  

  Moved By: Councillor Donauer

  That snow clearing service level on sidewalks, multi-use pathways, and cycle tracks be reduced to extend the timeline for snow clearing on the facilities to 96 hours, instead of the current 48 hours, with an associated savings of $75,000.  

  
  

  In Favour: (1)	Councillor Donauer
  Against: (10)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  DEFEATED (1 to 10)

• Option 13.a – Sweeping Program Service Level Changes - Eliminate soft Surface median sweep

  Director of Roadways, Fleet and Support Saric introduced the option and responded to questions along with Director of Parks Crilly and Director of Transportation Magus.

  Moved By: Councillor Loewen

  That soft surface median sweeping be reduced to one sweep every two years, resulting in a projected $200,000 annual savings.  

  
  

  In Favour: (11)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

  The meeting recessed at 1:00 p.m. and reconvened at 1:45 p.m. with all members in attendance with the exception of Councillor Davies. 

  
  

• 14.b Eliminate seasonal decoration material replacement program

  General Manager, Utilities and Environment introduced the option and responded to questions of Committee.

  Moved By: Councillor Gough

  That replacement of Doves of Peace cross streetlights on 2nd Avenue (2024) and replacing the non-illuminated Christmas-themed banners on 20th Street and on 2nd Avenue (2025) amounting to $48,000 in each of 2024 and 2025 be deferred.

  
  

  In Favour: (5)	Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Dubois
  Against: (5)	Councillor Hill, Mayor Clark, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Block, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent: (1)	Councillor Davies

  
  
  
  DEFEATED ON A TIE VOTE (5 to 5)

• Option 15 – Adjust Saskatoon Transit Service Levels

  Director of Saskatoon Transit Puffalt introduced the option and responded to questions of Committee along with Chief Financial Officer Hack.

  Councillor Davies returned to the meeting virtually at 2:15 p.m. during consideration of this option.

  Moved By: Councillor Dubois

  That Administration report back to the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation on service level options and associated revenue/expense impacts on:

  • Introduction into new neighborhoods by adjusting the population density from 25% to a higher percentage.
  • Elimination of low ridership routes and/or replacement with on-demand service.
  • Decreasing frequencies on low ridership routes (e.g., if a low ridership route is currently a 30-minute service review impacts of a 60-minute service).
  • Currently Saskatoon Transit offers service during the week (Monday to Saturday) until 1:00 a.m., review impacts if service is discontinued at 12:00 a.m., 11:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. on those days.
  • Reduction of service on Sundays and statutory holidays.

  Reporting should include consultation with current partners who may have a vested interest in the resulting impacts.  

  
  

  In Favour: (5)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Block, and Councillor Dubois
  Against: (6)	Councillor Hill, Mayor Clark, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Gersher, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  DEFEATED (5 to 6)
• Moved By: Councillor Gough

  That Administration report back to Standing Policy Committee on Transportation, and separate from the 2024/25 budget process, on transit service options such as on demand transit on low ridership routes and/or at low ridership times while maintaining service levels.

  
  

  In Favour: (11)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (11 to 0)

• Option 16 – Parking Pay Station Zone Expansion

  General Manager, Community Services Lacroix introduced the option and responded to questions of Committee.

  Moved By: Councillor Gough

  That addition of approximately 130 paid on-street parking spaces occur at the following locations:

  - 24th Street from Idylwyld Dr to 1st Ave N;

  - 200 and 300 block of Wall Street;

  - 300 bk of Pacific Ave up to 25th St E;

  - 300 bk of Ontario Ave up to 25th St E;

  - Northern section of 400 bk of 1st Ave N up to 26th St E; and

  - 100 bk of 26th St E.

  
  

  In Favour: (10)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Against: (1)	Councillor Gersher

  
  
  
  CARRIED (10 to 1)

  Councillor Loewen excused herself from the meeting at 3:08 p.m.

  
  

4.2.2

Community Support Business Line Information [GPC2023-0616]

The City Clerk reported that due to time constraints at the July 25, 2023 Governance and Priorities Committee Special meeting, this matter was deferred to the August 15, 2023 Special meeting.  

A report of the Corporate Financial Services Division was provided.

General Manager, Community Services Lacroix presented the report and responded to questions of Committee.

The meeting recessed at 3:29 p.m. and reconvened at 3:42 p.m. with all members in attendance with the exception of Councillor Loewen.

• Option 1 – Increase Pet Licensing Rates and Fees

  Option 2 – Increase Cemetery Rates and Fees

  Moved By: Councillor Gersher

  That the Governance and Priorities Committee direct Administration to include the following options in the 2024/2025 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget:

  1. Option 1 – A further 10% increase in all pet licenses
  2. Option 2 – A further 3% increase to Cemetery Rates and Fees
  
  

  In Favour: (9)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Against: (1)	Councillor Hill
  Absent: (1)	Councillor Loewen

  
  
  
  CARRIED (9 to 1)

• Option 3A – Reductions to Community Grants and Investments

  Moved By: Councillor Hill

  That contribution to the special event reserve be reduced by $200,000 for 2024 and increased by $68,700 for 2025.  

  
  

  In Favour: (8)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Loewen, Councillor Gough, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Against: (3)	Mayor Clark, Councillor Block, and Councillor Gersher

  
  
  
  CARRIED (8 to 3)

• Option 5 – Reductions to other Donations, Grants and Subsidies

  Moved By: Councillor Dubois

  That the proposed increases for grants and community support be eliminated from the 2024/25 budget as outlined below, which excepts those that fall within the tax abatement policy as outlined:

  Transfer to heritage reserve $3,400 in 2024 and 2,900 in 2025

  Culture participation grant

  Green gardening fund $1,500

  Cash grants $15,800 in 2024 and $8,800 in 2025

  Youth sports subsidy $137,500 in 2025

  Tourism $15,000 in 2024 and $14,900 in 2025; and

  MVA $42,800 2024 and $36,900 in 2025

  
  

  In Favour: (6)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Block, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Against: (4)	Councillor Hill, Mayor Clark, Councillor Gough, and Councillor Gersher
  Absent: (1)	Councillor Loewen

  
  
  
  CARRIED (6 to 4)

  Councillor Jeffries excused himself from the meeting.

  
  

4.2.3

Saskatoon Fire Business Line Information Report [GPC2023-0618]

The City Clerk reported that due to time constraints at the July 25, 2023 Governance and Priorities Committee Special meeting, this matter was deferred to the August 15, 2023 special meeting.

A  report of the Corporate Financial Services Division was provided.

Saskatoon Fire Chief Hackl presented the report with a PowerPoint and responded to questions of Committee.

• Option 1A – Deferring the Asset Management position 

  Option 1B – Deferral of the Communications Consultant position 

  Moved By: Councillor Davies

  That the Governance and Priorities Committee direct Administration to include the following options in the 2024/2025 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget:

  1. Option 1A – Defer the Fire Services Asset Management Position to 2025; and
  2. Option 1B – Defer the Communications Consultant.
  
  

  In Favour: (9)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent: (2)	Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

• Option 1C – Deferral of the Operations Dispatch Manager

  Moved By: Councillor Hill

  That the Operations Dispatch Manager Position be implemented halfway through 2024 with half of the funding added in 2024 and the other half in 2025.  

  
  

  In Favour: (9)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Hill, Mayor Clark, Councillor Donauer, Councillor Gough, Councillor Block, Councillor Gersher, Councillor Dubois, and Councillor Kirton
  Absent: (2)	Councillor Jeffries, and Councillor Loewen

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (9 to 0)

4.2.4

Environmental Health Business Line Information [GPC2023-0701]

The City Clerk reported that due to time constraints at the July 25, 2023 Governance and Priorities Committee Special meeting, this matter was deferred to the August 15, 2023 special meeting.

A report of the Corporate Financial Services Division was provided along with a letter submitting comments from Mackenzie Burnett and Ines Sanchez-Rodriguez, Saskatoon Climate Hub, dated July 24, 2023.

The following letters were also provided:

• Submitting Comments
  • Nancy Howse, dated August 10, 2023;
  • Tim Quigley, dated August 11, 2023;
  • Glen Wright, dated August 12, 2023;
  • Mark Bigland - Pritchard, dated August 12, 2023;
  • Mary Uzelman, dated August 12, 2023;
  • Carroll Chubb, dated August 13, 2023;
  • Julia Boughner, dated August 13, 2023;
  • Joanne Blythe, Chad Hammond and Candace Savage, Wild About Saskatoon, dated August 14, 2023;
  • Caylin Lee, dated August 14, 2023; and
  • Peter and Verna Gallen, dated August 14, 2023.
  • Ines Sanchez Rodriguez, dated August 14, 2023;
  • Jason Hanson, dated August 14, 2023;
  • Jody Busch, dated August 14, 2023;
  • Joel Van Impe, dated August 14, 2023;
  • John Krowina, dated August 14, 2023;
  • Justin Fisher, dated August 14, 2023;
  • Romualdo Zwolinski, dated August 14, 2023; and
  • Margret Asmuss, Bob Halliday, Glenn Wright, Saskatchewan Environmental Society, dated August 14, 2023.

Due to further time constraints, this matter was deferred to the August 31, 2023 Special Meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee. 

4.2.5

Taxation and General Revenues Business Line Budgetary Information [GPC2023-0615]

The City Clerk reported that due to time constraints at the July 25, 2023 Governance and Priorities Committee Special meeting, this matter was deferred to the August 15, 2023 special meeting.

A revised report of the Corporate Financial Services Division was provided along with a letter submitting comments from DeeAnn Mercier, Broadway Business Improvement District, Brent Penner, Downtown Saskatoon and Randy Pshebylo, Riversdale Business Improvement District, dated July 24, 2023.

Due to further time constraints, this matter was deferred to the August 31, 2023 Special Meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee. 

4.2.6

Land Development Business Line Information [GPC2023-0702]

The City Clerk reported that due to time constraints at the July 25, 2023 Governance and Priorities Committee Special meeting, this matter was deferred to the August 15, 2023 special meeting.

A report of the Corporate Financial Services Division was provided.

Due to further time constraints, this matter was deferred to the August 31, 2023 Special Meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee. 

4.2.7

Arts, Culture and Events Venues Business Line Budgetary Information [GPC2023-0614]

The City Clerk reported that due to time constraints at the July 25, 2023 Governance and Priorities Committee Special meeting, this matter was deferred to the August 15, 2023 special meeting.

A revised report of the Corporate Financial Services Division was provided.

Due to further time constraints, this matter was deferred to the August 31, 2023 Special Meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee. 

4.2.8

Recreation and Culture Business Line Information [GPC2023-0807]

A report of the Corporate Financial Services Division was provided.

Due to time constraints, this matter was deferred to the August 31, 2023 Special Meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee. 

4.2.9

Urban Planning and Development Business Line Information [GPC2023-0806]

A report of the Corporate Financial Services Division was provided.

Due to time constraints, this matter was deferred to the August 31, 2023 Special Meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee. 

4.3

FTE Reports

4.3.1

Full-Time Equivalent Municipal Comparison [GPC2023-0605]

The City Clerk reported that due to time constraints at the July 25, 2023 Governance and Priorities Committee Special meeting, this matter was deferred to the August 15, 2023 special meeting.

A report of the Corporate Financial Services Division was provided.

Due to further time constraints, this matter was deferred to the August 31, 2023 Special Meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee. 

4.3.2

Impacts of Hiring Freeze or Not Adding Future Staff [GPC2023-0605]

The City Clerk reported that due to time constraints at the July 25, 2023 Governance and Priorities Committee Special meeting, this matter was deferred to the August 15, 2023 special meeting.

A report of the City Manager's Office was provided.

Due to further time constraints, this matter was deferred to the August 31, 2023 Special Meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee. 

4.3.3

Temporary Workforce Report [GPC2023-0704]

The City Clerk reported that due to time constraints at the July 25, 2023 Governance and Priorities Committee Special meeting, this matter was deferred to the August 15, 2023 special meeting.

A report of the Human Resources Division was provided.

Due to further time constraints, this matter was deferred to the August 31, 2023 Special Meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee. 

4.4

Comparing the Growth in Federal, Provincial, and Municipal Operating Budgetary Expenditures 2017 - 2023 [CC2023-0604]

The City Clerk reported that due to time constraints at the July 25, 2023 Governance and Priorities Committee Special meeting, this matter was deferred to the August 15, 2023 special meeting.

A report of the City Manager's Office was provided.

Due to further time constraints, this matter was deferred to the August 31, 2023 Special Meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee. 

5.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 5:23 p.m.